18th- and 19th-century Europe were captivated by two competing artistic movements: Neoclassicism and Romanticism. Neoclassic art inspired by the ancient world was undeniably en vogue for the majority of the 18th century, dominating every salon and private home throughout Europe. At the close of the century, Neoclassicism was met with a reactionary artistic movement: Romanticism.…
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Archived workshops. Some no longer available. Please visit the Statewide Faculty page for up-to-date listings.
In every area across the state, VMFA offers both teacher workshops at a variety of grade levels and Art on the Spot Statewide, elementary level classroom adventures.
Browse Teacher Workshops by Level: Elementary, Middle School, High School, All Ages
Watchmen and The Dark Knight Returns
1986 was a pivotal year for comic books when DC Comics published Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, along with Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller. Never before had mainstream superhero comic books taken a novelistic approach to the genre. Both reinvented the superhero comic book for a more mature audience–and reinvented…
Request ProgramThe Comic Book Film
This talk reveals the origins of comic books and how they have translated into film and TV over the decades. It showcases everything from the 1940s movie serials to the current blockbuster movies out today and how both media have helped change one another. Featured are the classic Adventures of Superman TV show, Batman with…
Request ProgramTools of the Manga and Animation Artist: From the pencil to the Cintiq
Have you ever wonder what a tablet is and what it is used for, what the differences and when you should use Photoshop vs. Illustrator, or what tools or software do Animators use to create their animations? This workshop will introduce you to the traditional to the modern tools and software used by Mangaka and…
Request ProgramIt’s a matter of Perspective
Do you have a hard time with incorporating perspective into your artwork convincingly, or you do not fully comprehend perspective? This workshop will introduce you to basic principles of perspective and how to incorporate it into your Manga Drawings, Illustration, and general drawings in a convincing manner.
Request ProgramA Horse of Course: The Equine Image in Art
Of the thousands of examples of rock art found at Lascaux, Niaux, Vallon-Pont-d’arc, and other sites across France and Spain, nearly a third of the figures represent horses. In this workshop, participants look at the horse in art history, tracing the ways in which artists have used the horse as subject matter over the millennia.
Request ProgramSymbols!
What do our symbols tell us? How did they evolve? Are they the same in every culture? Do they change over time? Using images from the VMFA collection, investigate symbols and signs in art from Egyptian murals to 21st century installations. The presentation and related discussion generate ideas for artwork inspired by the personal symbols of participants.
Request ProgramLook at That! Critical Thinking + Art = Knowledge Retention
What in the world can you learn from just looking at pictures? This workshop provides resources for constructing new understandings of our cultural, social, and political history by discovering clues in works of art! After all, every work of art is a primary source from the era in which it was made. (Adaptable to a variety of subjects and grade levels.)
Request ProgramFirst Hand: Front Line Drawings from the Civil War
Investigate the American Civil War as seen by the artists who were there. Through their folded, soiled, and stained sketches, we can gain insight into the evolving view of war from noble endeavor to human tragedy. These artists urgently captured battlefield moments to be reproduced for the masses of readers of Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Weekly Newspaper who craved the most immediate experience of the war possible.
Request ProgramOur Classical Heritage: Greece and Rome
What can you learn from Greek vases, Roman coins, marble statues, and golden jewelry? Find out in this hands-on workshop that explores the natural resources, architecture, politics, and sports of ancient Greece and Rome.
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